Braving the rain, I made my way to the opening fete for Mrs. Bridal Boutique, a new concept store that already has a loyal following for stylish brides-to-be. Located walking distance from Toronto’s epicenter of classic chicdom, Yorkville, Mrs is a destination unto itself or one of many stops for bustling brides crossing off the enormous wedding to-do list.
The brainchild of longtime friends, Michelle Gunn and Kelly Power, who recently walked down the aisle themselves, Mrs. Bridal Boutique is a breath of fresh air amidst the stuffy and somewhat drab wedding gown shopping experience in Toronto. Both Gunn and Power understand the pressure and stress that can come along with trying to find the “perfect gown”, and therefore have provided their customers with affordable price points along with a selection of dresses that range from classic Charlotte York to a dress that is reminiscent of a certain statuesque duchess who recently wed (and my oh my was I tempted to try it on).
Nestled in a cozy renovated brownstone on Davenport; hardwood flooring and sleek decor offers a calm reprieve in a three-storey boutique. The main floor boasts an array of accessories including a crop of coveted Ela handbags, most noteably Ela’s “MILCK” clutch – for your money, id, lipstick, cell, and keys (um, I had a handbag-soul-mate moment when I heard what the abbreviation stood for). Just one floor above is where the real magic begins; a bright space for the racks of breathtaking dresses.
Arriving from all corners of the globe, Mrs. carries an eclectic mix of designers, but is not overwhelming. From Manhattan’s glamorous Junko (exclusive to Mrs), to Oregon-based and locally made Elizabeth Dye, and of course classic Nicole Miller. Wind your way up one more floor, and you reach what I like to call the “honeymoon suite”; a space more reminiscent of an upscale NYC loft, with fresh flowers (who knew babies breath would look so chic in simple black lacquered vases?!), stream-lined furniture, and a cozy alcove-like change-room hidden by plush ivory curtains. Mom, take a seat.
Not only is their “one stop shop” a refreshing outlet for bride’s to be but both Gunn and Power are possibly the most down to earth blonde bombshells Toronto has seen in quite some time; their approachability and oozing warmness is the icing on the cake of a promising future for Mrs. Bridal Boutique.
Mrs. Bridal Boutique is located at 164 Davenport Road, just east of Avenue.
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~ Kortney Shapiro